All Posts in Category: Wisdom Teeth

Most people don’t want to hear the words “dental surgery” used together when they have their routine checkups. Fortunately, the phrase often isn’t as ominous as it sounds and there are many options that could be available before surgery is the only solution. Below you’ll find a wealth of information about dental surgery. If you have any further questions, though, we at Creative Dental encourage you to give us a call so we can answer any specific inquiries you might have.

Common Dental Surgeries

There are some common dental surgeries that you’ve likely heard of and didn’t really consider them to be actual surgeries. For example, removing the wisdom teeth is considered by dental professionals to be a dental surgery. These “third molars” are often removed because there simply isn’t enough room in the jaw to make their presence comfortable. In addition, many people have a difficult time keeping their wisdom teeth clean because of their location.

Another common reason for dental surgery also involves the removing a tooth. Sometimes a tooth doesn’t erupt from the gums as they are designed to do. This can cause dental issues such as diseased tissues, crowding and infection.

If your dental health has been impacted, your dentist might recommend that you have dental surgery in an effort to address any issues. For example, if you are getting dentures, you might need to have bone graft surgery to improve their fit and support. Dental implants are a popular method of replacing a diseased or decayed tooth. Dental surgery is required to prepare the jawbone so that the dental implant can then be attached to it at a later date.

Regular Dental Care Reduces Need for Dental Surgeries

In many cases, the need for a dental surgery is something that can be prevented with regular dental care. Not only does visiting your dentist as recommended mean that this professional can ensure that your teeth are cleaned and healthy but any issues are discovered and addressed quickly.

Alternatives to Dental Surgery

If your dentist does find an issue of concern during your routine dental exam, surgery is not likely to be the first suggestion with a few exceptions. An accident or injury, for example, might require that you have dental surgery to address any issues. This is often the case for wisdom teeth as well since so many people have problems with them.

In other cases, though, your dentist might recommend other options such as filling a tooth, braces, a mouth guard and more. The exact recommendation by your dentist hinges on a number of factors such as the health of your entire mouth, the problem that your dentist is observing at that time and any issues — such as crooked or impacted teeth — that could be an issue at a later date.

At Creative Dental, we encourage you to get your recommended dental checkups in an effort to avoid surgery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Wisdom teeth are the large molar teeth at the very back of your mouth. Although wisdom teeth are natural, there are times when your dentist in Westfield, NJ may recommend having them extracted. If the wisdom teeth have already grown in, the wisdom teeth can be pulled. If they haven’t yet broken the gum line, oral surgery may be warranted to remove the wisdom teeth. Here are some situations and wisdom teeth signs that they may have to go.

1. You are Getting Braces

If you are getting braces or another alignment treatment, your wisdom teeth may need to be removed. If your wisdom teeth haven’t come in yet, there’s a strong chance that when they do, they could undo all the work that was done by your braces. If your wisdom teeth are already grown in, they may still have to be removed, to ensure that the other teeth in your mouth can be aligned correctly.

2. You Have Jaw Pain

Since wisdom teeth are located so far back in the mouth, they can affect your jaw in some cases. There are times when wisdom teeth have been known to cause pain or discomfort in the jaw when talking or chewing. This is one of those wisdom teeth signs that your dentist in Westfield, NJ can help to diagnose if you do have chronic jaw pain. If it turns out that your wisdom teeth are to blame, their removal may take care of your jaw pain permanently.

3. You Have Sinus Trouble

Because of the location of your wisdom teeth, their root structure can push and rub against sinuses, causing a host of sinus issues. If you have chronic sinus trouble, such as frequent headaches, runny nose, sinus drip, or pain or tenderness between your eyes, talk to your dentist at Creative Dental to see about the chances that your wisdom teeth are to blame. If they are, an extraction or surgical removal could solve your sinus problems.

4. You Have Gum Disease

Wisdom teeth are susceptible to gum disease just like other teeth in your mouth. Because they are so far back in your mouth, it’s quite difficult to clean wisdom teeth properly. This can lead to bacteria build-up, cavities, and ultimately gum disease. Gum disease can then lead to other problems, with the potential to spread throughout your teeth and gums. If your wisdom teeth have developed gum disease around them, it’s likely that your dentist will recommend their removal. These wisdom teeth signs include redness, swelling, tenderness or bleeding gums.

5. They are Impacted

Impacted wisdom teeth happen when they don’t grow in precisely. This can occur for a variety of reasons, but the result is the same. A painful, swollen area that will not resolve itself without medical intervention. If you do have impacted wisdom teeth, you’ll need to have them surgically removed.

We will be able to diagnose and advise you as to whether you have an oral health condition that may require the removal of your wisdom teeth. Call or email today to make an appointment to have your wisdom teeth checked.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

The Wisdom Teeth are the third and last molars and the last permanent teeth to emerge. They are located on each side of the lower and upper jaws and usually begin to come in during the late teenage years or the early twenties.

About Impacted Teeth

The eruption of your wisdom teeth can be painful, but impacted wisdom teeth can present even more of a challenge. Impacted teeth are those that are trying to emerge through the gums but are unable to do so properly because there is not enough room, either because of the jawbone or because of the positioning of adjacent teeth. As a result, the wisdom teeth become stuck in the jawbone as the roots continue to grow longer, causing significant pain.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

There are some signs that you may lead you to believe that you have impacted teeth. If you are experiencing any dental pain, it is important that you see your dentist as soon as possible. The early detection of impacted wisdom teeth can save you from further pain and the spread of infection as the condition worsens.

Constant Pain at Sites of Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can result in a pulsing pain that radiates from the areas of the mouth from where the wisdom teeth should emerge. If the condition is allowed to develop, the pain can spread as nearby teeth are affected by the impacted wisdom teeth.

Swollen Jaw

Initially, the swelling of the jaw may be little. However, as the condition progresses, the swelling will increase so that it begins to affect how well you can open your mouth or make chewing motions.

Cysts

The presence of a cyst is a glaring indication that you should speak to your dentist regarding your wisdom teeth. The sac from which your wisdom teeth grow can become filled with fluid when the teeth become impacted. This can cause not only pain but infections in adjacent teeth.

Headaches

The sudden presence of a headache, especially in addition to other symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, should not be ignored. A headache may stem from your temporomandibular joint, the area where your skull and jaw meet, and that is near where the wisdom teeth should be emerging.

Painful Gums

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause your gums to become very tender to the touch and swollen. If pressure is applied to an affected area of your gums, you may start to bleed. Having gums in this condition can make routine dental care practices, such as brushing and flossing, extremely painful, especially in the back areas of the gums that can be difficult to clean under normal circumstances. Because impacted wisdom teeth are particularly prone to infection, your gums may also become susceptible to gum diseases.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Professional dental care is required for your symptoms to be alleviated. Postponing a visit at your dentist’s office can result in a worsened condition and a possible spread of infection.